Multi-direction expandable house

ABSTRACT

A house design which incorporates a pedestal type foundation capable of facilitating construction on sites of the varying types of using a post and beam technique. The house design utilizes a central core as an essential focal point of the entire house structure. The design makes it possible to increase the size of the lower level of the structure up to 60-75%, whereby the size of the floor space can be doubled without further addition to the foundation or roof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Applicant claims the benefit of the filing date of provisional patent application 61/128,346 filed on May 21, 2008. This invention relates to a house design which incorporates a pedestal type foundation. The pedestal mounted house is designed to take advantage of difficult or non-uniform terrain. The pedestal mounted house is uniquely suited for construction builders to develop and construct on nearly any terrain, climate from snow-capped mountaintops to remote tropical beaches. The pedestal foundation can facilitate construction on sites that are generally believed to be unbuildable because of the terrain. home adaptable to nearly any terrain, climate or need. Therefore, the cost for the land on which the house is to be constructed can sometimes be obtained at a much reduced cost. There are many sites located in areas with beautiful and scenic views but maybe either very steep or lie in a flood plain. One aspect of this invention is to facilitate construction on sites that would otherwise not be utilized, at least not for construction of a house. The method of constructing a house of the type disclosed in this application on sites on difficult terrain utilizes a post and beam technique. The particular design consists of a central core of four steel columns. This central core is an essential focal point of the entire house structure. The central core is the center of gravity on which the entire living space of the house rests. The feature of expandability of the size or square footage of a building structure is desirable advantage over conventional construction. For example, an object of this invention is to make it possible to increase the size of the lower level of the structure up to 60-75%, whereby one can double the size of the floor space without further addition to the foundation or roof

The generic category of the post and beam construction is called, pier foundation or pole framing. Pole framing or post and beam construction is employed in many large commercial structures, especially large buildings with open courtyards underneath. In terms of design, the stilt aspect of the house utilizing post and beam construction can be hidden, except when exposure is a desirable feature, especially in costal, low lying or mountainous areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a pedestal mounted house designed to take advantage of difficult or non-uniform terrain. This will permit developers and builders to construct a house on terrain in a wide variety of areas from snow-capped mountaintops to remote tropical beaches. The pedestal foundation can facilitate construction on sites that are generally believed to be unbuildable because of the terrain and at a cost less than for construction on conventional sites. In this invention, wood is mostly used in a non-stressed or decorative mode. The pedestal or pier foundation also allows for a variety and type of styles whereby vertical and horizontal expandability is achieved, including the use of an additional core which allows suspension of the house over a ravine, creek or other topographical peculiarities of terrain. The variety of design possibilities incorporates many efficient features such as passive solar exposure and orientation to the seasonal rays of the sun. In addition these designs allow increased insulation through the use of foam core stress skin panels, because internally, these panels are not load bearing. In this invention, the wood studs can be placed every four feet instead of every sixteen inches, which is the usual case in conventional structures, where the walls actually serve a part of the load bearing function

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the objects, advantages and features of this invention having been stated, others will become more apparent by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which

FIG. 1 is a cut-a-way perspective view of a residential building constructed according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front vertical cross-section of a residential building constructed according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side vertical cross-section of a residential building constructed according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a cut-a-way perspective view of the bottom portion and spaced apart removable portion of a residential building constructed according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a cut-a-way perspective view of the bottom portion and spaced apart removable portion of a residential building constructed according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a cut-a-way perspective view of the upper portion and spaced apart removable portion of a residential building constructed according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a cut-a-way perspective view of the upper portion and spaced apart removable portion and rafter and roof of a residential building constructed according to the invention;

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In accordance with this invention, the distance between each of the four steel posts has been kept to minimum of 12 feet. Maintaining a distance of 12 feet between posts allows for a relatively small foundation footprint when compared to the conventional foundation for a house structure. The 12 foot dimension has been selected because it provides usable space under the main living area of the house according to this invention. An even wider footprint however, allows for a more stable structure.

A post and pier foundation is easier to build and less costly than the more common perimeter concrete foundation. It is best for building sites with a low likelihood of earthquake or hurricane force winds because the house is not as deeply or as heavily embedded into the ground. For this reasons some building departments may not allow these foundations without an engineering review. But, for cabins and small houses in many places in the U.S. and Canada a post and pier foundation will serve as well and last as long as any perimeter foundation. With modern materials such as pressure treated wood and preformed metal brackets and straps this old style foundation is both easier to build and stronger than ever before. Post framing the building is supported by posts either on the ground or mounted on a ground level footing or slab using post anchor sleeves.

The primary significance of the pedestal foundation is the feature of expandability, and the small foundation footprint enables the house to be situated on almost any type of terrain without the need for excessive grading which requires no heavy equipment such as bulldozers. The grading necessary to set the steel poles in concrete blocks can be done with a small tractor, thereby minimizing the grading costs. This type if foundation design provides the type of housing that can be adapted even to undesirable terrain.

The ratio of floor space to foundation: in a conventional house the ratio is one-to-one, ground area to floor space; in the house according to this invention, it is one-to-five, ground area to floor space; twenty percent less foundation design for a given amount of floor space. In a typical design, the square footage is between 1008 and 3000 sq. ft. which can be as high as three levels.

Construction time is significantly reduced because of the simplicity of the foundation and the ability to prefabricate most of the parts which can then be assembled on site with very little time and effort. Also, because of the prefabricated nature of the components, theoretically, even the homeowner can construct, especially since the prefab kit is user friendly in that it does not require skilled technicians for the construction process. Ideally, all one must do is to locate a space on the lot in an area free of trees which must be a minimum of 17 feet square. Therefore, it is not necessary to cut the trees beyond this area, thereby maintaining an attractive, secluded natural landscape.

The utilities can be located in the central core, and the space formed by the elevation of the house above the steel columns can be utilized for living and storage space, or it may be used for a patio, garage or carport. An alternative design can still utilize the core for utilities and wiring, while enclosing the area surrounding the poles for lower level living space. A large part of the expandability feature is on the ground level surrounding the core. (See FIG. 1). With the addition of wings or saddlebags, achieved by utilizing steel beams which are bolted and welded to the steel columns, one can add onto the upper level, increasing the volume of the internal space within certain predetermined engineering constraints; however, more work is involved (compared to the ready utilization of the ground level space).

Also, because the house is constructed around a steel core, an elevated structure, which is safe, stable, and sound from and engineering stand point, it provides optimum resistance to flooding. Such a structure is also resistant to termite and other insect infestation because of the ground clearance. In addition, with certain (engineering/structural) design modifications it can be designed with and enhanced resistance to natural disasters, such as strong winds, earthquakes, and flooding; thus, making it suitable for erection in coastal, mountainous, floodtide areas, and plains which offer no natural impedance to wind velocity. The steel construction also minimizes the use of wood, thus lessening the environmental impact of deforestation.

Expandability and Design Flexibility

Wood is mostly used in a non-stressed or decorative mode. The pier foundation also allows for a numerous variety and type of styles whereby vertical and horizontal expandability is possible, including the use of an additional core which allows suspension of the house over a ravine, creek or other topographical peculiarities of terrain.

Reducing the construction time significantly impacts the cost of construction. The cost of the materials should be within the same price range as construction of conventional structures. Affordability is also related to the ability to begin small, and to expand in incremental stages later, i.e., “the house that grows.”

The basic design is important because it is easier and cheaper to expand later. In a sense, the homeowner is paying for the ease of expansion up front. This concept is also affordable to those who want an expensive house which can be built in stages; especially ideal for anyone who wants a larger, more luxurious house in the future.

The feature of expandability makes it possible to increase the size of the lower level of the structure up to 60-75%, whereby one can double the size of the floor space without further addition to the foundation or roof. This modular, phase like design enables the builder to provide an affordable house for the young growing family, or the impecunious entrant into the housing market, or for those who work at home who need functional office space isolated from the primary living quarters.

The design maximizes interchangeability, expandability and modularity. One can achieve many different designs beginning with a basic module. The modules can be joined like the connecting pieces of a child's erector set. The common denominator in achieving these various aspects is the use of four steel piles mounted on concrete blocks, as the foundation of the house. As these columns comprise the primary load-bearing component, this type of structure allows for additions and modifications to the internal living space much more easily than would be the case of various other interfaces were burdened with the load bearing functions. It also allows for geometric expansion of the living space without additions to the foundation.

The internal walls provide only the functions of partitioning encapsulating the house, and do not serve the function of holding it up. Of course, the initial character of the original frame dictates the ultimate design in terms of expansion. If the occupant owner wishes to change the internal look/design by moving, and even removing, partitions and doors, it is possible tip do so without exorbitant expense. Expansion is less expensive compared to conventional additions (up to 50% less), because to add on requires less work and material, since the framework for the addition is already in place.

Energy Efficiency

The variety of design possibilities can incorporate many efficient features such as passive solar exposure and orientation to the seasonal rays of the sun. In addition these designs allow increased insulation through the use of foam core stress skin panels, because internally, these panels are not load bearing, and the wood studs can be placed every four feet instead of every sixteen inches, which is the usual case in conventional structures, where the walls actually serve a part of the load bearing function. This wider arrangement of the studs provides more space for insulation compared to a conventional house which is about 40% non-insulated. The design features in floor radiant heating systems which are fueled by the sun's rays.

The bottom line is that the house designed according to this invention to this invention provides for an affordable high quality housing which is energy efficient and ecological sound.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, an energy efficient expandable house having pedestal-type foundation is illustrated generally by reference number 10 in FIG. 1. The house is constructed with a central core 20 containing four steel support columns 22, 24, 26 and 28 mounted atop concrete foundation 8. The house 10 is constructed so that it is easily and conveniently expandable in multiple directions. The central core 20 support columns 22, 24, 26, and 28 are designed with integral vertically extending brace struts 2, 2′ 4 and 4.′ The vertically extending brace struts are joined with the horizontally extending brace struts 3, 5 and 3′ and 5′. The horizontally extending brace struts carry the diagonally extending brace struts 6, 6′, 7 and 7′ which are also connected to the core support columns. As best shown in FIG. 4, the house foundation includes poured footings 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D. The footings carry the support columns. The support columns are connected by lower core braces 32, 34, 36 and 38; by center core braces 42, 44, 46, and 48; and by upper core braces 52, 54, 56 and 58.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, the house 10 has a main level 70 that is expandable as indicated by the broken lines, by a first lower addition 62 located lower than main level 70 and at proximately to the left of the central core 20. The main level 70 is provided with a non-equilateral octagon frame that includes circumferentially extending horizontal studs 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 and 88. The horizontal studs are. supported with vertically extending brace uprights 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77 and 78. As illustrated in both FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, main level 70 is further expandable as indicated by the broken lines by a second lower addition 64, located lower than main level 70 and at proximately to the right of the central core 20.

Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, house 10 is constructed with an upper level 90. The upper level 90 is built atop main level 70. Upper level 90 is formed by non-equilateral octagon exterior walls that include circumferentially vertically extending wall members 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97 and 98. FIG. 6 shows by broken lines, upper level 90 moved away from main level 70, and the broken lines indicates expansion by lower addition 64.

Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 7, upper level 90 is constructed with a roof assembly 100. The roof assembly 100 contains roof support members 101, 102, 103, 104,105, 106, 107 and 108. The roof braces 111 and 114 support riser 116 are constructed integral with the roof support members. The roof support members, braces and riser carry roof panels 101A, 102A, 103A, 104A, 108A and 116A. The various roof panels are designed to mate with corresponding support members, braces and support riser. The roof panels 101A, 102A, 103A, 104A, 108A and 116A may be passive solar panels optimally located for solar exposure and orientation to the seasonal rays of the sun. 

1. A house design which incorporates a pedestal type foundation capable of facilitating construction on sites that are generally believed to be unbuildable because of the terrain wherein a post and beam technique is utilized.
 2. In a house constructed in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a central core as an essential focal point of the entire house structure, said central core constituting the center of gravity on which the entire living space of the house rests.
 3. In a house constructed in accordance with claim 2, further comprising structure used to increase the size of the lower level of the structure up to 60-75%, whereby the size of the floor space can be doubled without further addition to the foundation or roof. 